Regular football key for Caulker

The future of Tottenham defender Steven Caulker hangs in the balance, as the highly-rated stopper outlines his intention to secure regular first-team football.

The England Under-21 international has enjoyed a successful campaign on loan at Premier League surprise package Swansea, making a significant contribution to the Welsh club's debut season in the top flight, which ended with an impressive 11th place finish.

Having completed his loan spell, Caulker's attention has now switched to securing his long-term future, and whilst the 20-year-old has previously stated his ambition to challenge for a first-team spot at White Hart Lane, the London-born defender is open to the idea of seeking pastures new if that's what's best for his development.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Caulker said: "The main aim for me is to continue my development and the only way I can see that happening is by playing regularly.

"I'm sure that over the summer I'll sit down and decide what is best for me, but I can't emphasise enough how important it is for me to be playing."

Spurs are reportedly on the verge of sealing the signature of Ajax's sought-after defender Jan Vertonghen, and with players such as William Gallas, Younes Kaboul, Michael Dawson and Ledley King already at their disposal, Caulker could find opportunities few and far between if he were to remain with the north London club.

And, with Caulker realistic enough to accept that his pathway to the Tottenham first-team may be stifled, he remains open to the possibility of returning to the Liberty Stadium with Swansea, a club he owes a great deal of gratitude for providing him with the platform to establish himself in the game.

"I've loved every minute of my time at Swansea since going over there during pre-season," added Caulker.

"I spent around nine months at the club and I learned things every day, with the gaffer giving all the lads bundles of confidence.

"A big part of my game now is composure and I've managed to add that to my game this year whilst at Swansea.

"I've still got a lot to learn and I've learned so much in a year here at Swansea that should it be available again to me next season and Tottenham are happy with it I'd be stupid to say no."

In years gone by, newly promoted sides have often found it tough at the top during their second season of mixing it with the Premier League's elite. But Caulker, who made a total of 26 starts last season, believes Swansea are more than capable of repeating their stunning success story next term.

He added: "I'm confident that they will do just as well next season because as the season has gone on we seem to have got stronger.

"Our first game of the season was away at Manchester City and we lost 4-0, but in the return leg we managed to beat them 1-0, which is a sign of how far we have come and how much we've learned throughout the season."

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